Greetings Sisters and Brothers of our “Neighborhood Church” PTCUMC – I am so glad you are part of it!
It was a wonderful Labor Day weekend and attendance as we kicked off a new worship series called “UNCERTAIN” – and having “Faith that Hangs Tough.” I appreciate all the positive feedback, and am looking forward to sharing this Sunday’s message about how “Change Isn’t Always the Enemy.”
I am especially looking forward to this Sunday as we share Communion and a special worship piece during the first hour. At the 9:30 service, our 12-piece stringed orchestra will be part of the worship experience (if you weren’t here this past Sunday you missed a concert level flutist who added such a sweet spirit to our time together.) We will continue to bring attention to the 23rd Psalm as one of those crucial and well-referenced scriptures and traditions during uncertain times. Who can you text, email or call right now to invite to worship? If you are able, offer to take them to lunch so it’s about spending time as well as worshipping together.
I’d like to take a moment for a quick update and make you aware of some ongoing staff changes, both in personnel and responsibilities. Our wonderful Director of Congregational Care, Mary Fields, retired in June and since then we’ve been considering how best to move forward. Currently, our Leadership Board has affirmed the plan of Rev. Sean Robinson assuming primary responsibilities for Congregational Care. He will support the ministry leaders in our Cancer Care, GriefShare, Dementia Care and other care ministry needs as they develop. One of his top priorities will be to organize teams of laity to provide encouragement to homebound members, including providing home communion and special holiday events. Sean will also be the primary crisis responder, and we will continue to evaluate this process as we move forward. We continue to encourage everyone to participate in our Groups ministry which is often the primary expression of how care happens in our congregation. We appreciate Allison Kickham, Director of Adult Groups, and her leadership in this ministry area and her steady reminders that caring for each other is a primary function of being in a group.
I want to also recognize Ann Manuel, our Traditional Worship Pianist, who is retiring from her role in our Traditional Worship service. Ann joined our staff in November of 2015 as Pianist and Choir Accompanist and has rarely missed a Sunday since! We are so grateful for her ministry here – especially when Ann graciously stepped into the role of organist as well and served in that capacity for over two years when the former organist retired. Ann is a dear friend to so many in our choir, her Sunday School class, and a beloved part of our congregation. Please help us congratulate her on retirement and share our gratitude for her work and service. Thank you, Ann for the past nine years!
Finally, we have a new addition to the PTCUMC Staff. We are so excited to announce that Jamie Mathis will be joining our staff in a part-time capacity as Director of Engagement with primary responsibilities covering serving (volunteer) roles within the life of the church. Jamie is unique as this is her home church, having grown up with her mom being one of our longest serving Associate Pastors. She brings that experience as well as participating now as an adult when she and her family moved back to this area.
A little bit about Jamie: Graduate of Penn State with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She spent her early career recruiting and training student leaders and volunteers on campuses all over the country. She then worked as a volunteer coordinator for capital campaigns for 3 years before becoming a Flight Attendant for Delta. She still serves as a Recruitment Consultant for her sorority and has for the past 12 years.
As you can see, Jamie is more than qualified and if you know her personally or have been involved with her as a volunteer with Guest Services and other serving roles on Sunday morning, you know she is exceptional! We’re so grateful she is willing to step into this new and bigger role.
